Terra Milo

This mild-mannered certified health coach grew up in Utah, lived in Oregon, attended Ohio University and then moved to Akron to be closer to the family of her husband, Greg.

She received her training at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York City, learning from renowned health experts like Dr. Andrew Weil and Dr. Deepak Chopra, and is certified by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners. In addition to doing cooking demos and hosting lunch-and-learn sessions around Northeast Ohio, she works one-on-one with clients to create a personalized “roadmap to health.”

A longtime vegetarian who doesn’t like salads, is not a runner and loves sweets, Milo says she’s not perfect. “I’m just a real person who loves helping people find a healthy lifestyle that is fun,” she says.

Using dietary theories, practical lifestyle management techniques and innovative coaching methods, Milo has not only transformed her own life but the lives of her clients – and we think she’s a valuable person for AkronLife readers to meet in 2015.

Is The 330 a healthy place to live?

TM: Over the past few years, I’ve seen so many community gardens popping up throughout Akron. That warms my heart because I know that more people will have access to not only fresh, healthy food, but also to each other as we nurture our gardens as a community.

We also have outstanding farmers’ markets. I know some people talk about the prices, but really, you can’t get organic peppers for less than what you pay at the market. And we’re helping our neighbors by supporting small farms. I could go on ... The benefits are endless.

Where could we as Akronites change our habits?

TM: We could change our habits by moving our bodies more and eating less processed food. Those two things will make a huge difference in everyone’s lives. I wish Downtown Akron was a little more walkable. There are so many cool sites, and I think easy, walkable connectors to different downtown hotspots would get people out and about.

What do health coaches do?

TM: Health coaches help you connect the dots between what you eat and how you feel. You’ll know how to stop binges and control cravings, multiply your energy, ease digestive stress, balance your weight and delight in what you eat like never before — without restriction.

Health coaching is really about long-term results, rather than short-term fads. It’s really for those of us who love food. There’s no judgment in my coaching practice. I love cookies and chocolate too!

Does working with a health coach require dieting?

TM: Absolutely not. My clients tend to be a lot more restrictive about their diets than I am. We’re here to enjoy life, not count calories and consult a list of “can and can’t eat” before every meal. Working with a health coach means you’ll end up eating more whole foods that you actually enjoy, and you’ll have confidence to make the right choices around food.

Who is the perfect candidate for a health coach?

TM: Health coaching is right for anyone who wants to have more energy and control of their life or who wants to feel better about their health and food choices. You have to be curious about how your food affects your body and your mood, and be ready to explore how you can have the best health, and then take action.

… Getting healthy isn’t the impossible, restrictive drag as I think it’s often portrayed. It can actually be simple, fun and inspiring. I talk about making small shifts when I’m coaching people. Make a little shift in your habits, and you’ll feel empowered and energized.

What can Akronites do to maintain our energy during the grey days of winter?

TM: Good question! That last winter was a doozy. The best thing to do is move around: go for a walk at the mall, use your gym membership, or sign up for an exercise class like yoga, barre or zumba. Just move your body.

Eat home-cooked stews and chili, and drink lots of tea. Stay connected to loved ones; we get more energy and joy from Primary Food (relationships, spirituality, career and creativity) than we do from the food we put in our mouths.

I’m not a doctor, but I want to add that most people should take a Vitamin D supplement, especially during the winter. Your doctor can tell you about your Vitamin D levels and how to supplement them.

If I weren’t a health coach, I’d be …

TM: A digital communications specialist. I love working on websites, email newsletters and social media. People are doing so many creative things in the tech world, and web design is my creative outlet.

In my spare time, you’ll find me ...

TM: In the kitchen, cooking or playing with my five pets. I’ve adopted three cats and two dogs, and they rule my world.

What’s your New Year’s Resolution?

TM: Movement and meditation. Exercise is my biggest challenge. I love yoga, but I don’t go often enough, and I need to add some variety to my exercise routine.

Meditation has so many benefits, from physical health to brain function, so I’m committed to meditating for at least five minutes every day. Meditation can be as simple as paying attention to your breath.

If you just cannot face one more salad, but you’re determined to hang onto that New Year’s resolution to be healthier that has dwindled to passing on butter at the cinema, stop in Restore for a refreshing and healthy treat.